Page:Literary Landmarks of Oxford.djvu/167

133 Thirteen shillings and fourpence, like all pounds, pence, and shillings, went farther two hundred and fifty years ago than they do now. Thirteen shillings and fourpence is equal in American currency to about three dollars and forty-one cents; and, it can easily be reckoned, if such laws were made, and rigidly enforced, by the institutions of learning on the western side-Atlantic, and in our own times, that the incomes of all colleges would be considerably increased.

It was less expensive for the dogs of Lincoln to bite than to bark, for it seems that in October, 1639, two Fellows (Fellows not always, but very often, are Tutors or Professors, be it remarked) did fall out and fight. Richard Kilbye's head "was sore bruised and beaten" by John Webberley; and the College ordered Webberley "to pay the charge of the surgeon for healing Mr. Kilbye's face." The pugnacious John escaped more cheaply, probably, than did the profane John; notwithstanding the highly moral sentiment that the hands of little Fellows were never meant to scratch each others eyes out.